Thursday

A harsh and sometimes deadly chemical was released at Sanofi Pasteur on Sunday, according to a report made to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

A harsh and sometimes deadly chemical was released at Sanofi Pasteur on Sunday, according to a report made to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

Six workers were rushed from Sanofi to Pocono Medical Center by ambulance after being exposed to sodium hydrosulfide at a 60 to 95 percent concentration, the report said.

Sodium hydrosulfide is relatively safe if handled properly but dangerous otherwise, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, an independent federal agency that investigates industrial chemical accidents.

Since 1971, sodium hydrosulfide has been responsible for at least 32 deaths, 176 injuries, 351 medical evaluations and 10 evacuations of plants and communities, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.